Santuario della Madonna del Colletto, Valdieri (2020–2026)
The pilgrimage church Santuario della Madonna del Colletto, founded in 1725 and dedicated to the “Madonna of the Snow”, stands on the Colletto Pass at 1,309 metres above Valdieri (Province of Cuneo). Attached to it is a modest pilgrim hostel, built around 1760, for visitors wishing to spend a few days in quiet retreat at this spiritually charged site. Over the years, the building had fallen into serious disrepair and was in urgent need of restoration.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Don Alberto, parish priest of Valdieri, who dedicated himself wholeheartedly to this unique project, and with the help of numerous benefactors, the restoration plan he developed in collaboration with specialists was approved for implementation in 2020.
During the Covid lockdown, Don Alberto presented the project to Rosmarie Burki-Weibel, who immediately offered to fund several key components: the extension and interior fitting of the small restaurant with bar and outdoor terrace; the construction of guest rooms; roof restoration; electrical installations for water supply; and the renovation of the church tower.
Completion and the ceremonial inauguration of the pilgrims’ hospice are scheduled for 2026.